Decision Support System Method Research Articles

Ensuring correct product characteristics during the design process

For many companies, the design process and product design are treated as two separate domains. However, the design process needs to be controlled in such a way that desired product characteristics are attained. This paper proposes a decision support system (DSS) where management techniques develop linkages between process and product, and where the system identifies possible conflicts between product characteristics and design objectives. Product characteristics and the design process are decomposed into three levels and their relationship is identified. The DSS ensures that design activities accomplish product characteristics successfully. A goal-directed negotiation method that coordinates decisions is presented. An example of an aircraft pylon demonstrates the DSS method.

Modeling by example: A link between users, models and methods in DSS

The integration of complex problem-solving techniques into human decision-making processes is a difficult task due to the formal, structural know-how necessary for the correct application of these analytical methods. Modeling by Example (MbE) — a methodology based on interpretative computer intelligence — overcomes this hurdle by permitting decision-makers to access the knowledge stored in Decision Support Systems (DSS) via a dynamic exchange of examples. This paper discusses and illustrates the two basic components underlying the realization of MbE, i.e. (i) the design of interactive modeling environments allowing individual problem structuring and exploration, and (ii) the development of a knowledge-based system component supporting and stimulating decision-makers to identify and apply the problem-solving techniques made available by the DSS.